Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy: Mandi Faces Deluge, Karsog Devastated, Rescue Operations Underway
The Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy has left the state reeling after torrential rains and back-to-back cloudbursts devastated several regions in Mandi district on the night of June 30 and early hours of July 1, 2025. The disaster has resulted in one confirmed death, multiple missing persons, and large-scale damage to infrastructure, homes, and vehicles across Karsog and surrounding areas. As the state grapples with nature’s fury, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, warning of more heavy rainfall.
Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy: The Night of Chaos in Mandi
The Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy began unfolding late Monday night when two cloudbursts were reported in the Karsog area of Mandi district. The impact was devastating—one person lost their life, and many others are feared missing. In addition, several homes and vehicles were swept away due to sudden water surges triggered by the intense rainfall.
According to the latest reports, 16 individuals were rescued and relocated to safe shelters. Among the rescued were 12 children and four women. However, due to the fast-flowing water, rescue teams faced immense difficulty accessing some of the affected zones.
IMD Issues Red Alert Amid Ongoing Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy
The Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy has prompted the IMD to issue a red alert across several districts, including Mandi and Kangra. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next 48 hours, raising the risk of additional landslides, flash floods, and river overflows.
District administrations have taken preventive measures by shutting down all educational institutions in the Mandi and Kangra districts for July 1. Deputy Commissioners (DCs) have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid flood-prone and landslide-sensitive areas.
Beas River in Spate: Flood Threat Escalates
Another alarming dimension of the Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy is the overflowing Beas River. Following continuous rainfall, water levels surged dangerously, compelling authorities to release 1.57 lakh cusecs of water from the Pandoh Dam. However, inflows continued to rise, reaching 1.65 lakh cusecs, leading to the opening of all five dam gates.
This unprecedented release inundated the Pandoh market, forcing locals to evacuate. Many homes were flooded, and SDRF teams were deployed to manage the evacuation and rescue missions. Residents reported water entering homes, shops, and public spaces, worsening the already grim situation.
Devastation Across Karsog and Saraj: Power Project & Bridge Washed Away
In Saraj region near Kuklah, a 16 MW hydroelectric project (Patikri Power Project) was reported to have been washed away. The Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy also claimed a crucial bridge and several vehicles, which were swept into the roaring waters. Eyewitness accounts from Karsog described terrified residents screaming for help as floodwaters surrounded their homes.
Relief operations are ongoing, with SDRF and disaster management teams working round the clock. However, the sheer force of water and continuous rainfall has posed challenges in reaching isolated pockets.
Flooded Towns: Mandi, Dharampur Submerged
Mandi city is among the worst-hit in the Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy, with overflowing streams and nullahs flooding homes and commercial establishments. Dharampur, too, is battling with waterlogging as the Bharand Nala swelled to dangerous levels.
Bus stands, residential areas, and shops were inundated. Officials confirmed that dozens of homes near the Bharand Nala were vacated, and people were shifted to safer grounds. The situation remains tense, with forecasts indicating no relief from rainfall in the near term.
Schools Shut Across Districts
Due to the Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy, educational institutions across Mandi and Kangra districts remain closed. The District Magistrate of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan, issued official orders mandating closure for all schools and colleges to ensure public safety.
DC Kangra Hemraj Bairwa also confirmed a complete shutdown of educational institutions for July 1. These actions are part of broader safety measures to minimize exposure to landslides, flooding, and infrastructure collapse.
Eyewitness Accounts and Widespread Panic
Local residents, like Mandi’s Sushil Kumar, recounted the horror of the Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy: “Heavy rains have been pouring since last night. The water level of the Beas River has risen alarmingly. Landslides are happening all around us.”
Videos circulating online show frightened residents climbing to rooftops or seeking higher ground to escape fast-rising floodwaters. Social media is filled with appeals for help, visuals of collapsed homes, flooded markets, and submerged roads.
Damage to Roads and Power Infrastructure
The Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy has also caused extensive damage to the region’s road and power networks. Numerous roads remain blocked due to landslides and flooding, isolating several remote villages. Power outages have been reported in various localities, including Karsog, Dharampur, and parts of Mandi town.
Public works departments and local engineers are working to restore basic connectivity and electricity, but ongoing rains hamper progress. The state government is also coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for additional support.
Precautionary Measures and Government Response
The Himachal Pradesh government has urged citizens to stay updated with official weather bulletins and avoid unnecessary travel. District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have activated emergency helplines, and shelter homes have been opened for those displaced by the Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy.
State Chief Minister is monitoring the situation closely, while local legislators are on ground zero helping with relief operations. Helicopters are on standby for emergency evacuations if the rainfall continues unabated.
Rescue Updates & Relief Distribution
So far, no additional casualties have been reported beyond the confirmed fatality in Karsog. However, search operations continue to locate those feared missing in various locations impacted by the Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy.
Temporary shelters have been set up in government schools and community centers. Food packets, drinking water, and medical aid are being distributed to displaced families. Local volunteers and NGOs are working alongside SDRF personnel to ensure relief reaches every affected person.
Future Forecast and Advisory
With the IMD predicting more rainfall in the next 48 hours, the Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy is far from over. Authorities have instructed residents in low-lying areas and near riverbanks to evacuate as a precautionary measure. Flash floods, mudslides, and infrastructure collapse remain real threats in the region.
Tourists have been advised to avoid traveling to Himachal Pradesh until further notice, especially the areas of Mandi, Kullu, Karsog, and Kangra. Transport services remain suspended or severely affected in many parts.
Conclusion: Himachal Battles Nature’s Wrath
The Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy has once again highlighted the fragile ecology and infrastructure vulnerabilities in the hilly terrains of India. While the people of Mandi and Karsog display resilience in the face of adversity, the need for better disaster preparedness and infrastructure planning has never been more urgent.
As Himachal Pradesh continues to fight back against nature’s fury, the priority remains saving lives, restoring essential services, and rebuilding what’s lost. The nation watches in solidarity as rescue and relief teams work against the clock to bring normalcy back to the affected regions.
Stay tuned for real-time updates and government advisories on the evolving Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy.